Working on 3d Printing Projects and Collaborations

July 11, 2016

We often get asked about our process and approach in taking on various 3d printing projects and collaborations. As a start, here’s a sampling of the various projects we have worked on before – http://funbiestudios.com/projects/

Basically, there are 3 stages which a project can undertake – 3D Modelling, 3D Printing and Post Processing.

3 Stages of Getting Your 3D Projects Going

3D Modelling – As a starting point, a 3d model file in STL or OBJ format is required for 3d printing to be done. Most if not all good 3d modelling programs will allow for exporting to these format. In some cases, the 3d model file may be ready or available from some online model repository. However in other instances, the 3d model may not be immediately available. In those cases, we will need to work from sketches, images or an actual physical piece and from those references, extract the object features and measurements to build the 3d model file from ground up.

3D Printing – With the 3d model file in hand, the next stage will be the pre-processing for 3d printing. This entails the various checks, such as flipped normals, manifold check, minimum feature size, etc…, to ensure that the 3d model file can be printed. Thereafter, various other settings such as infill and layer height for the 3d print will have to be decided and set to allow the final 3d printed model to have the physical characteristics required for its function.

Post Processing – After a raw 3d printed model has been produced, there are a range of post-processing techniques which can be used to further enhance the model. These include steps such as assembly, gluing and puttying, sanding, epoxy coating, priming, hand painting or airbrushing, and top coating. Depending on the need for a multiple piece run, we may also make use of recasting techniques to help duplicate additional pieces in cost-effective manner.

And there you have it in a nutshell – the various stages and considerations we use for taking projects forward. Of course a lot of the devils are in the details which vary widely from project to project too!